Upland City Council to get back to business Monday

UPLAND - Council members will get back into routine Monday with the their first meeting of the year.

"2013 will be a good year, but we still have a few issues to get behind us," Councilwoman Debbie Stone said.

"It sounds like everyone understands that we are all in this together. I certainly hope that the spirit of cooperation will continue as we work toward getting the city back on track."

Council members will discuss labor negotiations during closed session on Monday.

All seven of the city's employee groups offered contract concessions last month.

Stone said the council has not been given any details, but she is happy to hear that communication lines are open and employee groups are on the same page.

"This is not easy for anyone, but at least it seems that the ship has finally turned," she said.

"I am looking forward to the council meeting on Monday and getting back to business."

Councilman Gino Filippi said he is most interested in learning more about what employees have offered to concede.

"The last I heard, both groups were satisfied and the city manager (Stephen Dunn) was satisfied, but I don't know if anything has changed," Filippi said. "I'm hoping we can put this all behind us and move on."

Dunn said he also plans to update the public on Monday about city operations.

In November, council members gave Dunn approval to look into several ways to reduce costs to the city, such as asking employee groups to make concessions.

Dunn recommendations also included looking into outsourcing public safety services as well as contracting out other city services with the goal of freeing up at least $2 million annually in the budget.

If all city employees agree to pay their share of pensions, Dunn estimated a savings of $1.3 million to the city's general fund.

Also on the agenda is a recommendation for the council to approve the creation of a finance manager position to oversee day-to-day operations in the city.